We know how difficult it can be to convince your friends to go on a hike or a trek with you. But there’s someone who would love hiking with you and it won’t take a lot of convincing. And that’s your four-legged canine buddy. But before picking your dog up and starting to pack your bag for the hike you’ve planned, you need to know the do’s and don’ts. And if you’re looking for a hiking partner in a dog, we’ve listed down some great dog breeds for you.
The thing to note here is that most dogs are adventurous and would love to explore. However, not all dogs may perform the same on the hike with you. The length of the hike, the size of the dog, weather conditions, etc. play an important role in deciding whether to take your dog for hiking or not.
What are the Best Dogs for Hiking?
The way the breed of the dog affects its suitability for hiking is its predisposition to medical conditions, coat type, average size and energy levels. Here are some great options for you –
Bernese Mountain Dog
A breed with medium energy levels, gentle temperament and high stamina, these dogs can be a great hike companion. They are adapted to Alpine environments. They look like large bears from a distance but are more like teddy bears from close. The name itself has ‘mountain’. We don’t think there’s more convincing needed on this one.
Golden Retriever
These extremely popular house pets, not just in the US but the world, are also great hike companions. They are a hunting breed and hence wouldn’t mind a long hike in the woods with you. They are intelligent and great at understanding human emotions. They are often chosen as guide dogs in the service making them great for following a trail.
Siberian Husky –
These beautiful dogs were bred to pull heavy sledges through snow. One can be quite assured of their strength and stamina. They are social dogs and would love to be a part of your hiking group. However, they are not recommended for new owners as they can be quite independent and hence difficult to train and command.
While these dogs are our top 3 picks, many other breeds can be great hike companions. They include –
Labrador Retriever
Standard Poodle
Border Collie
Australian Shepherd
English Springer Spaniel
Beagle, etc.
What Makes a Good Hiking Dog?
While we’ve listed some great dog breeds that make good hiking companions, it can’t be said for a fact that all the members of the breed are going to do great with you on the mountain. Similarly, dogs of the breeds that aren’t mentioned can also make excellent hike companions. The better way to look at it is to look for certain characteristics over deciding based on the breed.
If you had to choose a friend to accompany you on your hike, you would not only look for stamina and endurance but probably also how interested and interesting that person is, does he/she has any allergies or medical conditions, and 10 other things. Similarly, when it comes to choosing your four-legged hike companion, along with a stamina check you would want to check multiple other factors. These include –
Size – Small dogs may find it difficult to carry their own weight and large ones may also face the same issue. Large dogs may also be more prone to heart and joint problems. It may also get difficult for you to carry a large dog back in case of an injury in the woods. A mid-sized dog with a weight of around 25-50 lbs. may be better here.
Energy levels – You would not want a dog that is too low in energy levels that it refuses to walk or one that is too energetic that it becomes difficult to manage. A mid-high energy level should be great to accompany you on the trail and settle calmly in the tent later. Sighthounds, Retrievers, Pointers and working dogs like Sheepdogs may be good options here as they were bred for performing physical tasks.
Coat type – Here, the location of the hike will decide the type of coat best suited for it. Warmer climates like Florida may not be great for thick-coated dogs. Apart from that, longer coats tend to get dirtier. The hair may collect more debris and it may become difficult to spot ticks or other patches that may cause infections. Moreover, a small dog may take less time to find ticks and injuries than a big one when you want to shut your tent and go to sleep at night.
Personality – You may want to avoid a fearful and anxious dog as there’s a chance they won’t have a good time. Breed-specific recommendations are difficult here as it may depend on how the dog has been trained and how the previous experiences for them have been.
Training – You wouldn’t want to go on a hike with a newly adopted dog that is just getting to learn commands. You would need your dog to know at least the basic commands like sit, stay, come, etc.
Age – A young pup may be full of energy in the start but will probably get tired soon. Older dogs may not have the stamina or the healthy joints to pass through tough terrains. A middle-aged healthy dog is always a better option for a hike.
Breed – The breed of the dog does matter because of the predisposed medical conditions it comes with. Breeds with small-smooshed stout, for example, are brachycephalic and may have difficulty in breathing after an intense walk or higher altitudes. On the other end, large breeds like Great Dane are prone to joint injuries and other musculoskeletal issues. They are also more prone to heart problems.
This doesn’t mean that all small and large dogs should not even be considered for hiking. Ensure that they have had regular vet check-ups.
How to Find a Dog-Friendly Trail
It involves some simple steps. Here’s what you can do -
Online Research – There are several websites where you can just enter your search criteria and it can give you the list of best trails. E.g., AllTrails, BringFido, etc.
Check Local Parks and Reserves – Most of these have a designated dog-friendly trail. You can visit the website of the nearest one and check it out.
Read on forums – There are plenty of pet forums on the internet that can give you first-hand reviews, experiences and recommendations.
Look for amenities – While you’re doing your research, do ensure that the trail has sufficient waste disposal stations, water sources, and shaded areas for rest.
Confirm regulations – Some trails may require you to always keep your dog on a leash.
FAQs –
How many miles can you hike with a dog?
An average dog can do about 5-10 miles in a day. A fit dog, if conditioned and trained properly, can even hike up to 30 miles in a day. However, consistently hiking every day can lead to injuries and exhaustion.
What is the best dog for outdoors?
Breeds known for their stamina, resilience and love for nature are usually the ones best for outdoors. You can consider the Labrador, Australian Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, Jack Russel Terrier, Bernese Mountain Dog, etc.
How much water do you need to bring for a hike?
It is advised to carry about 8 ounces (240ml) of water per hour of hiking for every 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) of your dog's weight. It’s always better to carry some extra though. And don’t forget to add your water needs in this.
